HTC continued the busy month of September with its own event today, and at the gathering the company announced a pair of new Windows Phone 8 handsets dubbed the HTC 8X and HTC 8S. The HTC 8X is the larger of the two, featuring a 4.3-inch 1280x720 Super LCD 2 display. Also included with the 8X is a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 8-megapixel rear and 2.1-megapixel front cameras, 16GB storage, 1GB RAM, LTE support, NFC and an 1,800mAh battery. Along with Windows Phone 8, customers can also expect HTC to pack Beats Audio in with the 8X. Customers will be able to pick up the 8X in California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow.
The HTC 8S offers Windows Phone 8 in a slightly smaller package, packing a 4-inch 800x480 Super LCD display. Buried inside the body is a 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor as well as 4GB of storage and 512MB RAM. The camera on the 8S's backside is of the 5-megapixel variety, and the device is powered by a 1,700mAh battery. Like the HTC 8X, the 8S also features Beats Audio. Also like the 8X, the 8S will be available in a variety of colors, with the choices including Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue and High-Rise Gray.
HTC says that both the 8X and 8S will be available starting in November, adding that AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon will offer devices here in the U.S., though it's not specified which phones will hit which carriers or if all three will sell both the 8X and 8S. Both of these new HTC handsets look like worthwhile additions to Microsoft's Windows Phone family, and it's great to see a manufacturer besides Nokia making devices in several different colors. So now that they're officially official, what do you all make of the HTC 8X and 8S? How do you think they stack up to Nokia's Lumia 920 and 820?
UPDATE: Both AT&T and T-Mobile have confirmed that they'll be launching the HTC 8X, and Engadget has gotten word from HTC that Verizon will also offer the 8X. No word yet on pricing or if the 8S will see the same widespread availability, but as usual, we'll share more details with you as we get 'em.
HTC AND MICROSOFT UNVEIL FIRST SIGNATURE WINDOWS PHONES
New Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC to be available through more than 150 mobile operators globally
NEW YORK, 19th September, 2012 — HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, and Microsoft today unveiled the first signature Windows Phones, the stunning Windows® Phone 8X and 8S by HTC®. The smartphones feature the new Windows Phone 8 operating system and boast iconic design, studio-quality sound with Beats Audio™ and incredible camera capabilities.
“Pairing HTC’s beautiful new Windows Phone 8X and 8S with our brand is a big milestone for both companies,” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. “Together we are offering customers a clear choice and a truly unique experience. I’m thrilled to take our longstanding partnership to the next level.”
“We’ve been inspired by Windows Phone 8 to create new smartphones that give the platform the iconic design and personality it deserves,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “Windows Phone has clearly emerged as one of the top mobile ecosystems and is competitive against any other smartphone platform in the world.”
Iconic Design
The only phone with Live Tiles, Windows Phone has a clear, differentiated vision and the consumer experience has been widely recognized as being groundbreaking, innovative and fresh. HTC created the Windows Phone 8X and 8S to blend the virtual and the physical utilizing a three dimensional, pure uni-body design based on the Windows Phone Live Tiles. The Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC are perfectly sculpted with a dramatic taper making them feel magically thin in your hand.
Because color is such an integral part of the Windows Phone experience, HTC is bringing bold, sophisticated and adventurous colors in a premium matte finish to these devices. The Windows Phone 8X will come in a variety of colors including California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow. The Windows Phone 8S by HTC will be available in Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue and High-Rise Gray.
Capture and share your world
For the first time, HTC is introducing a 2.1mp, f/2.0 aperture, 88° ultra-wide angle front-facing camera that allows up to four people and more to be captured at once. It also supports 1080p video capture. The rear camera sports an 8mp CMOS sensor with backside-illumination (BSI) for improved low-light performance, along with an f/2.0 aperture, 28mm lens and a dedicated imaging chip. A physical shutter button makes it quick and easy to capture spontaneous action, even if the phone is locked.
Spectacular Sound with Beats Audio
Exclusively available on HTC smartphones, Beats Audio provides authentic, studio-quality sound that delivers the spirit of the original recording. The Windows Phone 8X by HTC featuring Beats Audio also offers a unique audio amplifier powering the 3.5mm audio jack and the speaker, boosting the audio signal for even better sound no matter if you’re listening to music, playing a game or watching a video.
Brilliant Display
The Windows Phone 8X by HTC features a beautiful, 4.3” HD-resolution super LCD 2 screen protected from everyday bumps and scrapes by lightweight Gorilla® Glass 2, while optical lamination reduces reflections and glare, ensuring you see every detail. The Windows Phone 8S by HTC boasts a bright super LCD 4” screen with Gorilla® Glass, allowing users to see the Windows Phone Live Tiles, and every message and photo, with crystal clarity and sparkling color.
Entertainment
With the Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC people can carry their favorite music, movies and photos with them wherever they go. With the Windows Phone Store and Xbox Live, it is easier than ever to enjoy the latest video, music and games on the move.
Availability
The Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC will be available beginning in November. Available through more than 150 carriers in 50+ countries, the Windows Phone 8X or 8S by HTC will be available from the world’s top carriers including: United States: AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Europe: Orange, O2 Telefonica, MTS, Three UK, T-Mobile, and Vodafone Asia-Pacific: Chunghwa Telecom, Optus, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel), Smartone, Telstra and Vodafone Australia.
About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense®, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.
